HERFS/AUTUMN BONUS TYDSKRIF 2026

Graph 2: Average cumulative liveability at an early, mid, and late cull age per breed The average cumulative liveability (Graph 2) is similar across all breeds when culled at an early age (around 60 weeks). Here, the liveability ranges from 95% (Lohmann Brown) to 97,4% (Hy-Line Brown). Again, when looking at the mid-cull age (80 weeks), the breeds have a similar liveability of around 95%. At the late cull age (90+ weeks), the Lohmann Silver has a noticeably reduced liveability at 91% while the Amberlink Brown has the highest liveability at 94%. However, even here the breeds are closely clustered. Ultimately, liveability will be primarily dependent on farm management and environmental factors. Egg conformation In South Africa, all three breeds are described as producing attractive brown eggshells. The average strength of the eggshells from the three breeds is similar at around 40 N. There are some differences in egg weight (Graph 3) between the breeds and breed lines. At the point of lay, the Amberlink Brown lays the lightest egg at 38,6 g while the Hy-Line Silver lays the heaviest egg at 47,2 g. For the Hy-Line, there is not much difference in egg weight between the brown and silver line, according to breed standards. For the Lohmann breed, the brown line lays a noticeably heavier egg (45 g) at point of lay compared to the silver (41,5 g). The opposite is true for the Amberlink breed, where the silver line lays a heavier egg (43,3 g) compared to the brown (38,6 g). When considering egg weight at the end of production (100 weeks of age), the Hy-Line and Lohmann breeds have similar average egg weights ranging from 63,8 g to 65,5 g, while the Amberlink breeds lay slightly lighter eggs (61,2 g for the brown, 59,6 g for the silver). Graph 3: Breed egg weights at point of lay and end of production Herfs/Autumn 2026 BONUS www.agribonus.co.za 82